Michelin sole offers 40% greater traction on ice
08/12/2017
Both brands will adopt Michelin’s Ice Control outsole technology, which is said to offer 40% greater traction on ice. Columbia’s Canuk Titanium Omni-Heat OutDry boot and Icebug’s Solus M walking boot will be the products to feature it.
“There isn’t a more problematic surface than a layer of ice or heavily snow-covered ground. Under these conditions footwear reliability should not be compromised,” explains Andrea de Pascale, head of marketing & partnership development for Michelin outsole licensee JV International.
Like for all of its technical soles, Michelin has taken inspiration from its tyres, with the structure of the sole based on the design of its snow tyres.
The Ice Control outsole features a specially-designed 100% rubber compound that offers high grip on ice and compacted show. It retains its good flexibility even at very low temperatures, allowing the shoe to accommodate the natural flexing of the foot while walking.
In 2014, Michelin, better known for its tyres, announced a partnership with Chinese textile manufacturer Jihua to begin developing a range of high-performance soles for the technical footwear market. At the time, it said it was targeting a 10% share of this market. It has already created soles for a range of brands, including sportswear manufacturer Under Armour, outdoor brand Salewa and mountain footwear specialist AKU.
Image shows Columbia's Titanium Omni-Heat OutDry boot, equipped with Michelin's Ice Control outsole.
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